Broken Bridge: Defiant Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez tells John Terry and Co that his way is best

The Chelsea boss has dismissed the opinions of Terry, who suggested that the tempo of trainings has been too slow

John Terry applauds as Rafael Benitez walks out during the match between Chelsea and West Brom at Stamford Bridge (Photo: Julian Finney / Getty)

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Rafa Benitez has refused to review his Chelsea training regime – despite the pleas of captain John Terry.

A chaotic seven days ended after Demba Ba scored to ­secure a vital 1-0 win over West Brom, which Terry watched from the bench, but Benitez remains in danger.

Chelsea fans made it clear they still want Benitez out by chanting against him and displaying banners that read “Not wanted, never wanted, Rafa out” and “The Interim One”.

Former England boss Fabio Capello has emerged as the preferred choice to replace under-fire Benitez if Chelsea decide to appoint another interim manager before the end of the ­season.

That would be good news for Terry, who ­appears to have been ­relegated down the pecking order by ­Benitez, but is a close ally of Capello.

Terry clashed with Benitez in the dressing-room after the defeat at Manchester City and was one of a small group of players who put forward the case of the players, as the Spaniard held a training ground inquest last week.

Central defender Terry ­argued that the tempo of training sessions is too slow under Benitez and there are too many tactical breaks.

Clear message: A young Chelsea fan smiles, but his hat tells the story (Photo: Julian Finney / Getty)

But Benitez ­dismissed Terry’s opinions – in front of surprised players – by telling the entire group that his way is the best way and the squad would have to accept it while he is in charge.

Both men have denied ­accusations of a rift, but there is a clear difference of ­opinion. Just days after ­Benitez hit out at a section of Chelsea fans for booing him at Middlesbrough, Terry ­yesterday used his captain’s programme notes to praise the same supporters.

“We all want to thank the fans for their great support in travelling to ­Middlesbrough and not getting back until 4am,” said Terry. “That doesn’t go unnoticed by us.”

Having played at Middlesbrough, Terry was demoted to the substitutes’ bench for the visit of West Brom.

But the 32-year-old ­received a standing ovation from the Chelsea fans when he warmed up down the touchline. With Chelsea looking to hold on to their slender lead – courtesy of Ba’s goal – ­Benitez sent Terry and John Obi Mikel to get ready.

Benitez called out to Terry, but only to tell Mikel he was being sent on in the 90th minute as Chelsea’s final substitute and the central defender zipped his coat back up and sat down.

Interim boss Benitez ­confirmed Terry was not left out because of injury and also underlined the fact that, for now, he is no more than a squad player.

“We have seven players on the bench – that’s the rule – and John Terry was one,” said Benitez. “He was not injured, he was ­training yesterday.” Asked why Terry seems to play only in less significant games, Benitez added: “He was not playing before ­as he was ­injured for 16 weeks. Now, he is playing more.”

Benitez put his position as interim boss in danger by ­hitting out at the Chelsea fans who have been booing him. The Spaniard, however, suggested the rant had the desired effect.

Talking about the victory over West Brom, Benitez said: “The players played with more confidence and the fans were behind the team. It was very good, very positive. They were behind the team and we played very good football.”